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Ovarian Cancer (Expert Forum)
CT scan results and probable recurrence
Answered by
Annekathryn Goodman, M.D. - Gynecologic Cancers, Complex Gynecologic, Surgeries, Palliative Care, Acupuncture
Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center
Boston - MA
This forum is for questions and support regarding ovarian cancer issues, such as: Biopsy, Chemotherapy, Clinical Trials, Genetics, Hysterectomy,Immunotherapy, Ovarian Cancer Types, Radiation Therapy, Risk Factors, Screening, Staging, Surgery.
CT scan results and probable recurrence
by dst4402, Jun 18, 2008 08:41PM
Dear Dr. Goodman,
I wrote to you the other day (CA125 rise and probable recurrence) and you were kind to reply. We have received the CT scan results yesterday and the report says... "an area of soft tissue density in the left paraaortic region, may represent a retroperitonial lymph node, this measures 16 mm. This is new compared to the prior exam last August."
This is behind the aorta and in front of the spine. This seems to indicate strongly a recurrence.
I will be having a PET/CT scan on June 30th to confirm malignancy and another CA125 will be done as it is now only 33. I was prepared for this bad news, as the rise in CA125 was indicating something, but I was not prepared for the dire prognosis from my doctor. He basically said that another chemo can be given, and then the remission will be shorter, and then another chemo can be given, and the remission will be shorter still and so on until I do not respond and then I will die (sooner than later). I was in shock that he gave me no hope at all of any length of remission. He told me within the first few minutes that I should get a 2nd or 3rd opinion, and to go to either UVA or Hopkins or Duke for other opinions and/or options. We have already gotten an appointment at UVA and will be contacting Hopkins this week. My question is a hard one, I know, but in your opinion, is there any hope for any substantial remission time with all of the treatments out there? I am feeling stronger now than I have for 2 years. I am willing to do a lot, but I do not want to work with a doctor who is giving me no hope at all. I know there are no guarantees, but my heart says there must be some hope, even if slim. Am I just in denial, or is he correct? I know he is in as much shock as I am, as I was his star patient, stage 1A, did great with chemo, made it to 2 years, etc., and he thought the odds of me having a recurrence were slim.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Regards,
Diane
I wrote to you the other day (CA125 rise and probable recurrence) and you were kind to reply. We have received the CT scan results yesterday and the report says... "an area of soft tissue density in the left paraaortic region, may represent a retroperitonial lymph node, this measures 16 mm. This is new compared to the prior exam last August."
This is behind the aorta and in front of the spine. This seems to indicate strongly a recurrence.
I will be having a PET/CT scan on June 30th to confirm malignancy and another CA125 will be done as it is now only 33. I was prepared for this bad news, as the rise in CA125 was indicating something, but I was not prepared for the dire prognosis from my doctor. He basically said that another chemo can be given, and then the remission will be shorter, and then another chemo can be given, and the remission will be shorter still and so on until I do not respond and then I will die (sooner than later). I was in shock that he gave me no hope at all of any length of remission. He told me within the first few minutes that I should get a 2nd or 3rd opinion, and to go to either UVA or Hopkins or Duke for other opinions and/or options. We have already gotten an appointment at UVA and will be contacting Hopkins this week. My question is a hard one, I know, but in your opinion, is there any hope for any substantial remission time with all of the treatments out there? I am feeling stronger now than I have for 2 years. I am willing to do a lot, but I do not want to work with a doctor who is giving me no hope at all. I know there are no guarantees, but my heart says there must be some hope, even if slim. Am I just in denial, or is he correct? I know he is in as much shock as I am, as I was his star patient, stage 1A, did great with chemo, made it to 2 years, etc., and he thought the odds of me having a recurrence were slim.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Regards,
Diane
Doctor's Answer
by Annekathryn Goodman, M.D., Jul 07, 2008 10:19PM
, Jul 07, 2008 10:19PM
Dear Diane,
I am so sorry for my delay in responding. By now you have had the PET CT scan. There is a chance of a long remission. For sure part of that will depend on whether your cancer is sensitive to the chemotherapy agents.
Since it has been 2 years since your last chemo, you have a good chance of having a cancer that is sensitive to chemotherapy.
Getting other opinions can help you sort out your treatment options and also think about how to cope with this terrible stress .
Please keep in touch
best wishes
I am so sorry for my delay in responding. By now you have had the PET CT scan. There is a chance of a long remission. For sure part of that will depend on whether your cancer is sensitive to the chemotherapy agents.
Since it has been 2 years since your last chemo, you have a good chance of having a cancer that is sensitive to chemotherapy.
Getting other opinions can help you sort out your treatment options and also think about how to cope with this terrible stress .
Please keep in touch
best wishes
